Chapter 8's long snow delayed January meeting, finally came to fruition on an exceedingly hot June 12^th at the Worcester Holiday Inn. Along with a mart, silent auction, and a raffle, there were two fine workshops, and a luncheon program that captured everyone's interest. All three programs were offered by Chapter 8 members.

Joe Brown presented a program on pendulums-concepts, functions, and practical applications He superbly covered just about everything you ever wanted to know about pendulums. Joe always has a well-conceived handout that emphasizes the important facts complete with illustrations. Using a simple pendulum compared to a practical pendulum, he dispelled many erroneous beliefs that clock collectors have about pendulums. He discussed the affect of the pendulum rod, length, bob, and suspension spring on timing the clock. The isochronisms of a pendulum was also discussed and shown to be a function of many things. Type and length of arc, temperature, barometric conditions, friction, and gravity all play a part in accurate timing. And finally, a brief explanation and chart on how to find the length of a missing pendulum. There were many questions from an enthusiastic audience after the formal presentation.

Jack Kurdzionak gave a most informative presentation on the salient features of a modern day watch repair shop that services the high quality Swiss watches that are so prevalent in the American watch market today. The primary focus is on cleanliness: on the worktable, the walls, and the floors. Access to storage parts and materials must be housed separately, but easily available. Putting competence and special equipment aside, the workshop must prevent the accumulation of dust, (the watch's enemy) and provide a work environment so that the repairer can focus on his or her work with no distractions. This is the basic requirement to be accepted as an Authorized Representative of a major Swiss watch company, and this is certainly in evidence at Jack's repair shop in Stoneham MA.

Chapter 8 member, and a former president of the chapter, Bob Merrill, presented a most interesting illustrated slide luncheon program, He talked about the restoration of an historic street clock in Lowell, MA, from the standpoint of what it entailed, and the problems and solutions that were encountered. In 1914 Dudley Page erected a Seth Thomas street clock in Lowell. Over the years, neglect and vandalism took its toll. Finally, the clock became the property of the City of Lowell. In 1991, Bob, took on the project of managing the restoration. There was much research to be done, and part of the solutions came from examining a similar Seth Thomas that is in front of the NAWCC headquarters in Columbia, PA. By 1993, a plan of action was agreed upon, the clock was removed to an interior site, and many people and companies were utilized to complete the restoration. Finally, in 1994, the clock was returned to its original site, looking like it did in 1914. It is strikingly beautiful.

-- Burt Kassap and Dick Trepp